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I am no psychologist, or degree-holding professional. I am simply a mother, wife, and lover of life. And life has taught me that there is a force out there, greater than ourselves, which causes amazing things to happen.

But it’s not just out there…it’s right within us. The difference between people who experience magic in their lives, and those who don’t, is that the former consciously allow amazing things to happen. They focus on it. They acknowledge its existence. And what they concentrate on is what comes to life.

As if by magic.

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Sometimes, one is fortunate enough to meet other human beings who are defined by their passions and humility.

I recently interviewed one such couple, Jon and Tessy Pettyjohn, who were the pioneers of pottery in the Philippines over 30 years ago. Over lunch, we chatted, and they told their stories—meekly, with such “normalness”, and no airs of superiority. This elderly couple, artisans in their craft, made me wish that I could grow old in this way—uncorrupted by the egotistical ways of the world.

When they spoke to me, I felt like a daughter, a friend, or an apprentice, learning from the masters. Tonight, their exhibit opens in Alliance Francaise, displaying the works of their hands.

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It’s the dreaded phone call you hope you never get—the one with the cheery teacher’s voice, where you swallow the lump in your throat, while reassuring yourself, it’s nothing serious.

The chirpy voice on the other end tries to explain as nicely as she can—but you know it’s not exactly good news: there’s been an accident, a minor one.

She says there was blood, and they want to take your son to the hospital. You come to your senses, because the lot of blood, you are told, was just a gash on his lip from a tumble, that lip that always gives him trouble.

If your husband were here, you reason, he wouldn’t freak out. He would be sensible. “It’s just a busted lip,” he’d say, “And he’s a boy!”

Boys will always be boys, you know…but this is your boy. Your only boy.

“Don’t take him to the clinic,” you answer calmly, into the phone. “Take him home.”

He comes home, thirty minutes later, the longest half-hour you’ve ever waited for him. He’s draped over the nanny’s shoulder, his face fixed in a little frown, but his eyes are closed, asleep. You know there were tears, loud ones, and they still trickle from the corners of his eyes. But he’s here now. And you just needed to see him to know that he’s okay. You tuck him into a safe bed, kiss him goodbye, and hope that when he wakes up, he won’t remember the pain.

Then, you quietly slip out the door, to leave for the day’s work.

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Will the lifelong task of being a mother, never be one of anxiety and endless worry? I watched Nat Geo’s documentaries last night of people, both around the world and in my own country, in troublesome places—the horror, the living nightmares. And I wondered about how my own son would fare in the world.

Perhaps all mothers feel that.

I chat with my husband later, to tell him the news. I know—I hear—through the screen, that he is concerned, but not as paranoid. He is a man, and has known a lot more pain. My child’s first few tumbles will not be the last ones—especially, not if he is anything like his adventurous father.

And so life carries on. One day after the next, one tumble after the next, more tears, more hugs, more getting back up again and facing another day. More knowing that nothing in the world can ever compare to the immense love a parent has for their child.

And no feeling will be better than knowing that child is home, safe and sound.

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Many wakeboarders come to the Philippines and go straight to Camarines Sur, known for its Wakeboard Park, Lago del Ray. And why not? The province is also full of beautiful, rugged beaches, mysterious caves and island secret spots (think Survivor series, because a few International ones were shot here), and easy to get to if you’re flying in from another country. Besides, the party buzz is all there at the Park, with crowds of buff and beautiful people coming to show off, or just observe.

However, if you live in Manila, an easier option may be to drive two and a half hours over to Calatagan, Batangas. Here, you’ll find the original Wakeboard Park, Lago de Oro. It’s a private cable park built on farmland, and perfect for beginners. A little simpler, a little quieter, and a little easier to access. You can come and go in a day, or stay the night in the resort, have a room-service massage, eat brick-oven pizza and buy cold cuts to take home. I was told this is where Governor LRay (who put up the park in Cam Sur) actually learned to wakeboard.

For other fun stuff, below are the prices.

We went last week for their 7th Perpetual Wakeboard Competition, to shoot an episode for Living Asia Channel. During the after party, my colleague won a raffle, joined the I Dare You game, and got a free IPod. Can’t say I wasn’t jealous!

Personal Tip: I like avocado recipes and salads because it’s easy and quick to make, plus its good toddler food that I can make double portions of to feed my husband, too. The boys are not very picky when it comes to eating, and we all enjoy this tasty tropical fruit.

Have you discovered any easy-to-make goodies recently? Please share!

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It’s the first time I tried blogging from a busy airport, and with just 15 minutes to kill, I’m rushing a coffee at 8:30 am to board a flight. I normally travel for work, but this time, it’ s purely pleasure.

John and I have been married for two years, today. And although we don’t make big romantic celebrations or actually “plan” for anything, it just so happened that the day I am meeting up with him in another part of the country happens to be our anniversary.

Two years flies fast.

I never got married thinking of the “forever” or, “till death do us part”. It’s always been one day at a time; every day, a chance to start over. Because we are human.

Perfect relationships are overrated. Perfect marriages–even more. So, on that fateful day in Denmark, when I wed in my jeans and tennis shoes, I knew that what was coming up was lots of work.

And yes, it’s been two years of still working at it, but enjoying it even more. We have had so many adventures together–from a rainy Charlesbridge in Prague, to the chicken-market bus station of Manila, to the rice terraces of Sagada, to the age-old street corners of Venice and Rome.

Married life continues to take me on a journey full of surprises…I’m off to board the plane now, off to Palawan, and welcoming even more adventures.